FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, August 2, 2013CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS202-482-4883

Today,
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker issued the following statements on
the confirmation of four key U.S. Commerce Department officials, including:
Ellen Herbst, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Chief Financial
Officer; John Thompson, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau; Margaret Cummisky,
Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs; and Dr. Mark
Schaefer, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.

Statement
from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Confirmation of Ellen Herbst
as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration and Chief Financial
Officer:

“I
am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Ellen Herbst as the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Ellen has served the Department of Commerce since 2005, starting as Director of
the National Technical Information Service and then as Senior Advisor to the
Deputy Secretary of Commerce beginning in 2009. Among other achievements, she
has helped successfully guide the Department through many management
challenges, including efforts to save taxpayer dollars through administrative
savings and organizational efficiencies and implementing sequestration. In
today’s budget climate, it is crucial that we have leaders like Ellen dedicated
to making government work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

As
Assistant Secretary for Administration and CFO, Ellen’s responsibilities will
include strategy, formulation, and execution of the Department’s approximately
$8 billion budget, leading the Human Resources management for more than 46,000 employees,
and serving as Chief Acquisition Officer for the procurement of over $2 billion
in goods and services. She will also direct the Department’s financial controls
and reporting, facilities and other administrative services, privacy and open
government functions, program evaluation and risk management, and more. Ellen’s
experience here at Commerce and in private sector management make her uniquely
qualified to assume this important role.”

Statement
by U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Confirmation of John Thompson
as the U.S. Census Bureau Director:

“I
congratulate John Thompson on his confirmation as director of the U.S. Census
Bureau, and thank the U.S. Senate for confirming him quickly. Given his
previous roles at the Census Bureau beginning in the 1970s, I have full
confidence that Mr. Thompson will be a tremendous leader of one of the nation’s
premier statistical agencies.

The
Census Bureau produces a wealth of data that are critical to America’s public
and private sector leaders as they make decisions about economic development
that will create jobs. I am committed to ensuring that the Census Bureau has
the resources it needs to continue supplying essential data to businesses and
government leaders. I look forward to working with John Thompson and his team
as they undertake the years of preparations required for a successful 2020
Census and continue to develop innovative ways to produce and distribute vital
information.”

Statement
from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Confirmation of Margaret
Cummisky as Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs:

“I
am pleased that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Margaret Cummisky as Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. In that
role, Ms. Cummisky will serve as my principal advisor on all matters before
Congress, including managing the Department’s relationships with its 19
congressional committees of jurisdiction across the Department’s 12 bureaus. In
addition, she will be responsible for overseeing the Department’s outreach to
the nation’s governors and mayors, which is critical to our efforts to help
support business growth and innovation nationwide. Ms. Cummisky is a Capitol
Hill veteran, having served in numerous, diverse positions for more than 25
years. I have no doubt that she will be a great asset to the Department as we
work with Congress and lawmakers at all levels on our priorities to help
American businesses, create jobs and grow the economy.”

Statement
from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Confirmation of Dr. Mark
Schaefer as Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere:

“I
am glad that the U.S. Senate has quickly confirmed Dr. Mark Schaefer as
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere at the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). From daily weather forecasts,
severe storm warnings, and climate
monitoring, to fisheries management, coastal
restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s work touches the lives of
every American.

Dr.
Schaefer has spent more than 30 years handling issues central to NOAA’s
mission, including fostering scientific and technological innovation,
conserving natural resources, making scientific information more accessible to
the public, and encouraging greater stakeholder engagement in policy decisions.
Dr. Schaefer will be an integral part of a team that is committed to protecting
ocean and coastal habitats and resources.”

On
background:

Due
to an administrative oversight, Dr. Schaefer was confirmed by the Senate under
the position’s former title, Assistant Secretary of Oceans and
Atmosphere. He will assume the title of NOAA’s Assistant Secretary for
Conservation and Management and will be responsible for policy and program
areas ranging from ocean observations to protected resources. Dr. Kathryn
Sullivan remains as NOAA’s Acting Administrator and Acting Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.